“Phuket”, Thailand's famous beach city, has been awarded the number one spot as the most attractive island to visit in Southeast Asia due to its stunning natural attractions, lifestyle, amenities, and adventure activities. This makes “Phuket” a popular destination for both Thai and international tourists, and it is also a favored location for many foreigners looking to settle down for long-term relaxation after retirement.

In 2023, data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand revealed that “Phuket” generated approximately 388.017 billion baht in tourism revenue, ranking second in the country after Bangkok. The number of foreign tourists visiting was around 8.3 million, contributing 365.826 billion baht in revenue, a growth of 107%, with an occupancy rate of 77.99%.

Today, we will introduce you to “Kathu District”, a prime location in the heart of Phuket and a central hub for tourism in the province. It is home to Patong Beach, a renowned beach bustling with tourists year-round. Beyond the sea, there are numerous restaurants, shops, bars, and disco clubs in Bangla Road, allowing visitors to explore Patong 24 hours a day. Simply lounging on the beach, gazing at the sky and sea would be too ordinary, as Patong offers branded surfwear shops for tourists to choose from, along with a full range of water activities including jet skiing and parasailing. There is also the tranquil Freedom Beach, attracting visitors for snorkeling and dining by the sea.

There is also the Kathu Waterfall nestled in the forest, perfect for families to enjoy swimming and picnicking. This small waterfall is located in Kathu District and has abundant water during the rainy season, from July to December, when it is at its most beautiful and lush. At the first tier of the waterfall, visitors can relax under the natural trees and enjoy the stunning views of Kathu Waterfall. The area around the waterfall is lush with various types of trees, and there are delicious restaurants nearby, as it is close to the Loch Palm Golf Club, a popular destination for nature lovers who enjoy the beauty of water and forests.

Additionally, there is Phuket Fantasea, the world's first Thai cultural theme park, featuring beautiful performances that showcase Thai culture and traditions from ancient times, seamlessly blended with cutting-edge technology and special effects. This magical venue spans 70 acres on Kamala Beach, transforming it into the ultimate “Cultural Entertainment Kingdom”, built with an investment of over 3.5 billion baht.

Regarding residential options, the popularity of purchasing condos in Phuket is steadily increasing among foreign tourists, investors, and Thai citizens, especially in sought-after locations. Recent data indicates that land in Phuket suitable for condominium development in areas like Bang Tao, Rawai, and Nai Harn averages 30-40 million baht per rai. Meanwhile, beachfront land in Layan Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, and Kamala Beach has seen prices rise by at least 50%, averaging 70-100 million baht per rai, while land in Patong is priced no less than 200-300 million baht per rai. Condos in Phuket are also showing a clear increase in rental yields, reaching 7-8%.

Currently, residents of Phuket are increasingly choosing to live in the central Phuket area, as it is close to the city and offers comprehensive amenities. The surrounding area is primarily residential, featuring both housing projects and low-rise condos, along with shops, convenience stores, and restaurants. Various facilities include Blu Pearl Phuket, Lotus Phuket, Big C Phuket, Central Phuket, ANDAMAN HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER, Red Mountain Club, Andamanda Phuket, Phuket Country Club, Patong Beach, Old Phuket Town, and Phuket Airport. Additionally, there are plans for infrastructure development in Phuket to support the tourism sector, with the Airports of Thailand Company preparing to invest over 6 billion baht to expand Phuket Airport Phase 2, which will enhance the international terminal's capacity from 6 million to an additional 6 million travelers per year. When combined with the domestic terminal's capacity of another 6 million, the total capacity will reach a maximum of 18 million travelers per year, expected to be completed by 2027. This development in air transport systems will undoubtedly be a significant factor in supporting the growth of Phuket's tourism sector in the future.